Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer device, comprising: an embedded controller, comprising a general-purpose input-output port; a data storage, coupled to the embedded controller through the general-purpose input-output port; and a power module, coupled to the embedded controller, wherein the embedded controller detects whether an abnormal shutdown event occurs, the embedded controller informs the data storage to perform a buffered data storage operation through the general-purpose input-output port so as to transfer buffered data in the data storage to a non-volatile storage area in the data storage, and the embedded controller controls the power module to maintain power supply to the data storage in a predetermined time period when the abnormal shutdown event occurs, the embedded controller continuously detects whether the data storage completes the buffered data storage operation through the general-purpose input-output port, and the embedded controller informs the power module to stop supplying power to the data storage and enables the computer device to shut down when the embedded controller learns that the buffered data storage operation is completed through the general-purpose input-output port.
This invention relates to a computer device designed to prevent data loss during abnormal shutdown events. The device includes an embedded controller with a general-purpose input-output (GPIO) port, a data storage unit connected to the controller via the GPIO port, and a power module controlled by the embedded controller. The embedded controller monitors for abnormal shutdown events, such as power loss or system crashes. Upon detecting such an event, the controller instructs the data storage unit to perform a buffered data storage operation, transferring any buffered data from volatile memory to a non-volatile storage area within the data storage unit. The controller also ensures the power module maintains power supply to the data storage unit for a predetermined time period to allow this operation to complete. The controller continuously checks whether the data storage operation is finished and, once confirmed, signals the power module to cut power to the data storage unit and proceeds with shutting down the computer device. This system ensures critical data is preserved even during unexpected shutdowns, addressing the problem of data loss in volatile memory when power is abruptly interrupted.
2. The computer device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: a power button, coupled to the embedded controller, wherein the abnormal shutdown event occurs when the power button is pressed, and the computer device is shut down as the power module stops supplying power when the power button is continuously pressed for the predetermined time period.
A computer device includes an embedded controller and a power module that supplies power to the device. The embedded controller monitors the power module and detects abnormal shutdown events, such as when the power button is pressed continuously for a predetermined time period. When this occurs, the power module stops supplying power, causing the computer device to shut down. The embedded controller records the abnormal shutdown event in a log, including the cause of the shutdown and the time it occurred. This allows for later analysis to identify recurring issues or patterns that may indicate hardware or software problems. The system ensures that shutdown events are documented, aiding in troubleshooting and system reliability improvements. The power button is directly coupled to the embedded controller, enabling real-time detection of prolonged button presses that trigger the shutdown sequence. This mechanism helps distinguish between intentional and unintentional shutdowns, improving system diagnostics.
3. The computer device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the embedded controller transmits a notification signal to the data storage through the general-purpose input-output port to perform the buffered data storage operation, and the embedded controller determines whether the data storage returns a feedback signal through the general-purpose input-output port so as to learn whether the buffered data storage operation is completed, wherein the data storage is a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state disk (SSD).
This invention relates to a computer device with an embedded controller that manages data storage operations. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently handling buffered data storage operations in computing devices, particularly when using hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state disks (SSDs). The embedded controller communicates with the data storage device through a general-purpose input-output (GPIO) port. When a buffered data storage operation is initiated, the embedded controller sends a notification signal to the storage device via the GPIO port. The storage device then executes the operation, such as writing or reading data. After the operation is completed, the storage device sends a feedback signal back to the embedded controller through the same GPIO port. The embedded controller monitors this feedback to determine whether the operation has been successfully completed. This mechanism ensures reliable communication between the controller and the storage device, improving data handling efficiency and reducing errors in storage operations. The system is applicable to both HDDs and SSDs, providing flexibility in storage device selection. The use of GPIO ports simplifies the interface between the controller and storage, making the system cost-effective and scalable.
4. The computer device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the buffered data storage operation not only transfers the buffered data located in a buffered area in the data storage to the non-volatile storage area in the data storage to complete storage but also flushes data in the buffered area in the data storage.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically improving the efficiency and reliability of data transfer operations between volatile and non-volatile storage areas. The problem addressed is the delay and potential data loss that occurs when transferring buffered data from a volatile storage area to a non-volatile storage area, particularly during system shutdowns or power failures. The invention involves a computer device with a data storage system that includes both a buffered area (volatile storage) and a non-volatile storage area. The system performs a buffered data storage operation that not only transfers buffered data from the volatile storage area to the non-volatile storage area to complete the storage process but also flushes the data from the buffered area after transfer. This ensures that the buffered area is cleared, preventing stale or redundant data from remaining in the volatile storage. The flushing operation may involve overwriting the buffered area with new data or clearing it entirely, depending on system requirements. This dual-function operation improves data integrity by ensuring that only the most recent data is retained in the non-volatile storage while freeing up the volatile storage for new data. The system may also include mechanisms to prioritize data transfers based on urgency or importance, further optimizing storage performance.
5. A data protection method of a computer device, wherein the computer device comprises an embedded controller, a data storage, and a power module, the embedded controller is coupled to the data storage through a general-purpose input-output port, and the data protection method comprises: detecting whether an abnormal shutdown event occurs by using the embedded controller; informing the data storage to perform a buffered data storage operation through the general-purpose input-output port by using the embedded controller so as to transfer buffered data in data storage to a non-volatile storage area in the data storage and controlling the power module to maintain power supply to the data storage in a predetermined time period by using the embedded controller when the abnormal shutdown event occurs, continuously detecting whether the data storage completes the buffered data storage operation through the general-purpose input-output port by using the embedded controller; and informing the power module to stop supplying power to the data storage and enabling the computer device to shut down by using the embedded controller when learning that the buffered data storage operation is completed.
This invention relates to data protection in computer devices during abnormal shutdown events. The problem addressed is the risk of data loss when a computer unexpectedly loses power, as buffered data in volatile memory may not be saved to non-volatile storage. The solution involves an embedded controller that monitors for abnormal shutdowns, such as sudden power loss or system crashes. Upon detecting such an event, the embedded controller triggers a data protection sequence. It instructs the data storage device to perform a buffered data storage operation, transferring buffered data from volatile memory to a non-volatile storage area. Simultaneously, the embedded controller ensures the power module maintains power supply to the data storage for a predetermined time, allowing the transfer to complete. The embedded controller continuously checks the progress of the data transfer through a general-purpose input-output port. Once the transfer is confirmed complete, the embedded controller signals the power module to cut power to the data storage and allows the computer to fully shut down. This method ensures critical data is preserved even during unexpected shutdowns.
6. The data protection method as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the computer device further comprises: a power button, coupled to the embedded controller, wherein the abnormal shutdown event occurs when the power button is pressed, and the computer device is shut down as the power module stops supplying power when the power button is continuously pressed for the predetermined time period.
A data protection method for computer devices addresses the problem of data loss during abnormal shutdowns, such as when a power button is pressed to force a shutdown. The method involves detecting an abnormal shutdown event, such as a power button press, and triggering a data protection process before the device loses power. The computer device includes a power button coupled to an embedded controller, which monitors the button press duration. If the power button is continuously pressed for a predetermined time period, the embedded controller initiates a shutdown sequence, causing the power module to stop supplying power. Before power is fully cut off, the system ensures critical data is saved or protected to prevent corruption or loss. The method may also include additional steps, such as notifying the operating system of the impending shutdown or performing a quick save of active data. This approach minimizes data loss risks during forced shutdowns, improving system reliability.
7. The data protection method as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the embedded controller transmits a notification signal to the data storage through the general-purpose input-output port to perform the buffered data storage operation, and the embedded controller determines whether the data storage returns a feedback signal through the general-purpose input-output port so as to learn whether the buffered data storage operation is completed, wherein the data storage is a hard disk drive or a solid state disk.
This invention relates to a data protection method for ensuring reliable storage operations in computing systems. The method addresses the problem of data loss or corruption during storage operations by implementing a feedback mechanism between an embedded controller and a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state disk (SSD). The embedded controller initiates a buffered data storage operation by transmitting a notification signal to the data storage device through a general-purpose input-output (GPIO) port. The data storage device then processes the data and, upon completion, returns a feedback signal to the embedded controller via the same GPIO port. The embedded controller monitors for this feedback signal to confirm whether the storage operation was successfully completed. This feedback loop ensures that the system can detect and respond to storage failures, preventing data loss or corruption. The method is particularly useful in systems where data integrity is critical, such as in embedded systems, industrial controllers, or storage devices with limited error-handling capabilities. The use of GPIO ports for communication simplifies the implementation while maintaining reliability.
8. The data protection method as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the buffered data storage operation not only transfers the buffered data located in a buffered area in the data storage to the non-volatile storage area in the data storage to complete storage but also flushes data in the buffered area in the data storage.
This invention relates to data protection in storage systems, specifically addressing the challenge of ensuring data integrity and persistence during storage operations. The method involves a buffered data storage operation that not only transfers buffered data from a buffered area in the data storage to a non-volatile storage area but also flushes the buffered area to clear any residual data. The buffered area temporarily holds data before it is permanently stored in the non-volatile storage area, which is designed to retain data even in the event of power loss or system failure. By flushing the buffered area after transferring the data, the method ensures that the buffered area is cleared, preventing potential data corruption or conflicts from leftover data. This approach enhances data reliability by guaranteeing that only the intended data is stored in the non-volatile area, while the buffered area is reset for subsequent operations. The method is particularly useful in systems where data integrity is critical, such as in enterprise storage solutions or mission-critical applications. The flushing step ensures that the buffered area is in a known state, reducing the risk of errors during subsequent storage operations.
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November 3, 2020
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